"The State of Israel ... will ensure complete equality of social and political
rights of all its inhabitants irrespective of religion ... it will guarantee freedom
of religion and conscience." - May 1948)

Court grants non-Orthodox conversions

Supreme Court approves several local Reform and Conservative conversions; case marks first time local non-Orthodox converts granted citizenship

31/05/2005 16:50

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religious court

The Supreme Court ruled on Thursday that 17 Reform and Conservative converts to Judaism should be granted Israeli citizenship under the Law of Return, marking the first time Israel has recognized local non-Orthodox conversions since the establishment of the Jewish State in 1948.

Although the court stressed the decision related specifically to this case and should not be taken as a sweeping ruling, it is considered to be an important test of the court's attitude towards non-Orthodox conversions in Israel.

Prior to the ruling, Israel only recognized and authorized Orthodox conversions in the country and has allowed Reform and Conservative converts to immigrate under the Law of Return only

end Orthodox monopolies on other civil areas as well.

if they have undergone their conversion process outside of Israel.

Reform welcomes decision

Reform and Conservative officials were quick to applaud the decision, and called on the court to end Orthodox monopolies on other civil areas as well.

Zamira Segev, executive director of the Hemdat Council for Freedom of Religion in Israel, said the next target would be Orthodox of marriage in Israel. “Just as the court has done away with the Orthodox monopoly over conversion in Israel,” she said, “the time has come to allow Israelis to get married in accordance with their beliefs, in religious or civil ceremonies of any and all descriptions.”